Development of Novel Linear Motion Mechanism with Load Sensitive Transmission

In more and more robotic applications, it is strongly desired that each actuator provides a wide range of speed, and has more capability to adapt to larger changes of load at the same time. In this paper, we discuss the proposal and development of a novel linear motion mechanism with load sensitive transmission, which consists of certain key components such as rubber rollers and flat springs. The developed mechanical model provides long stroke linear motion and has its ratio changed automatically in response to the continuously variable coaxial pressing load. This compact mechanism has the ability to absorb sudden coaxial load shock and is equipped with overload protection; it stops its advance if the load exceeds a certain value while the motor continues to rotate to keep it from overheating. Having the characteristics of light weight, compact dimensions, large ranges of load and speed, load sensitivity, and long stroke linear motion, it is expected that this mechanism can be used in linear moving robotic application in future.